View Vacancy - Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the High Commissioner- B3, Islamabad

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Governor's Office
Private Office

Note : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the competency based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage..

This is a fixed term position for 12 months with possibility of extension, as per the requirement. 

Main Purpose of Job:

An opportunity to work in a varied, high-profile job at the centre of one of the biggest foreign missions in Pakistan - supporting the High Commissioner (HC) with his correspondence, travel and engagement with staff. You will act as a central point of contact in and out of the mission, and provide strong administration.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

The successful candidate should:

  • have strong people skills - to be able to deal politely and effectively with colleagues and external contacts including Ministers.
  • have good attention to detail, be creative in solving day-to-day problems and strong follow-up
  • manage correspondence in and out of HC’s office - commissioning draft responses from the most appropriate person; ensuring efficient turnaround.
  • work with UKVI colleagues to turnaround visa requests received by HC and Deputy HC (DHC) from high value contacts.
  • lead on staff events for HC working with the Residence Manager (eg on teas for newly arrived staff); Comms (all staff meetings; staff award teas); Community Liaison Officers (community meetings)
  • lead on international travel by HC; monitor his travel budget
  • ensure smooth day to day running of Private office (the joint office for HC and DHC)
  • be a good team player, supporting colleagues in Private office and wider High Commission to achieve their objective with involvement from the HC. Provide leave cover for the HC’s Chief of Staff or DHC’s PA; and be flexible on tasks assigned.
  • Opportunity to lead on travel by HC or DHC within Pakistan. Occasional opportunity to accompany HC or DHC on these trips.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

  • Travel budget for High Commissioner
  • Opportunity to line manage another Private Office colleague

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

Our strong L&D offer includes access to a range of opportunities with in-house and e-learning; shadowing and mentoring; masterclasses from experts. Working in Private office provides awareness of the key issues happening in Pakistan network and globally which means that no day will be the same. There is also opportunity to get involved in the corporate agenda of the Mission and wider Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

  • Excellent communication skills in English - verbal & written.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to deal politely and effectively with colleagues and contacts outside the mission.
  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to be discreet.
  • Should be a team player and able to support colleagues.
  • Strong computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft applications eg Excel/Word/Outlook.

Language requirements:

Language:  English

Level of language required: Fluent (verbal & written)  

Security clearance required:

Please note: The role will involve access to and handling of classified or sensitive information. All applicants must therefore be able to achieve the UK’s SCE level of security clearance or already hold it.

Because of the security clearance requirement mentioned above, only nationals of the following countries are eligible to apply:

UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, EU

However, applications will be considered from candidates working overseas for HM Government in the past ten years or who already hold adequate security clearance. In light of the tight timings all applicants must have permission to work in Pakistan.

Applicants who do not meet this criterion will not be considered

  • Previous personal assistant experience
Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace
7 February 2022
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
41
12 months
South Asia & Afghanistan
Pakistan
Islamabad
British High Commission
1
PKR
PKR 169,692 per month plus Security Allowance of PKR 80,000
1 March 2022

Salary details:

For British High Commission (BHC) candidates, the Country Based Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.

For other than BHC candidates, salary will be ­­­­­­PKR 169,692 per month plus Security Allowance of PKR 80,000.

The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance. 

Around half of our work force is women. We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment. 

Security clearance required:

Please note: The role will involve access to and handling of classified or sensitive information. All applicants must therefore be able to achieve the UK’s SCE level of security clearance or already hold it.

Because of the security clearance requirement mentioned above, only nationals of the following countries are eligible to apply:

UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, EU

However, applications will be considered from candidates working overseas for HM Government in the past ten years or who already hold adequate security clearance. In light of the tight timings ALL applicants must have permission to work in India.

Applicants who do not meet this criterion will not be considered

’Note : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the competency based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.’’

To Apply: 

Please note applications without (a) and (b) will not be considered.

A.    Complete the Online Application Form

B.    Complete the Motivation and Competency Segment in the Online Application Form

C.   Complete this duly filled Pre Employment Questionnaire

Internal candidates applying for this position need to upload their appraisal forms for the previous 2 years (if applicable) and also inform their current line managers, else the applications will not be considered.

The position is open for full-time or part-time. We are open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.

We will accept only online applications by 07th February 2022 (latest by 23:55 hours PKT).  

Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines for British High Commission.

Please be advised that the FCDO does not pay for any travel related expenses incurred in interviews, or relocation costs.

Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no telephone enquires will be dealt with.

The appointment will be subject to Police Verification and other checks including references, medical, educational and professional.

We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.